A new global podcast featuring children's short stories

A new global podcast featuring children's short stories narrated by a renowned cast of leading

New Delhi: A new global podcast featuring children's short stories narrated by a renowned cast of leading actors and influencers, aims to take families on an adventure that transports them out of their homes to exciting, new places.

The 14-part series, "STOR14S" will premiere on Thursday June 18th, with new episodes airing every Monday and Thursday by Yahoo, part of Verizon Media, and The GEANCO Foundation.

The initiative will feature GEANCO ambassadors Rachel Brosnahan ('The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel'), Benedict Cumberbatch ('Doctor Strange'), Jeff Daniels ('The Newsroom'), Chiwetel Ejiofor ('12 Years A Slave'), Thandie Newton ('Westworld'), David Oyelowo ('Selma'), and more, as they narrate short stories and help raise money for the foundation's coronavirus relief and emergency aid. The stories were selected through a Yahoo writing competition for the public that was held throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The winning entries will take listeners on journeys through secret tunnels, mysterious bookshops and fictional African empires, providing light relief and entertainment during a very challenging time for families.

"Focusing on our mental health has never been more urgent, and we hope 'STOR14S' will inspire families during this very difficult time," said Guru Gowrappan, CEO at Verizon Media. "We are committed to continue to use our platform to drive change, bring stories that should be told to life and amplify awareness for voices and organizations like GEANCO, and their efforts that are making a true difference in people's lives."

GEANCO is donating gloves, face masks, soap, sanitizer and disinfectant to hospitals and maternity centers in Nigeria, and training maternity nurses and traditional birth attendants to prevent the spread of the virus in maternity clinics. The foundation is also donating tablets preloaded with hundreds of books to children quarantined in their villages. All talent fees for the series were donated to the organisation, with Verizon Media donating commercial inventory for direct display ads to the foundation to raise awareness for the vital work it's doing across Nigeria along with providing listeners with links to donate to their prevention efforts.

"I am really happy to be lending my voice to this creative effort to support GEANCO's critically important coronavirus initiatives in Nigeria, through the power of storytelling," said David Oyelowo. "I'm also delighted that my friends from the entertainment industry have joined me in bringing attention to a continent that is especially vulnerable to the effects of this pandemic."

"We are honored to partner with Yahoo and our celebrity supporters on such a fun and compelling podcast series," said Afam Onyema, CEO of GEANCO. "STOR14S will empower us to save more lives and educate more vulnerable children in Nigeria."

The full list of narrators and stories includes:

Jack's Dream June 18 Benedict Cumberbatch

The Emperor's Daughter June 22 David Oyelowo

Mr Oviarty's Mysterious Bookshop June 25 Jeff Daniels

The Diary of Primrose Goldie Gold June 29 Megalyn Echikunwoke

The Sunshine Cake July 6 Aldis Hodge

Aargh! There's a Monster in my School! July 2 Russell Brand

Matty Hides in Midgeton July 9 Chiwetel Ejiofor

The Dog that would be a Prince July 13 Rachel Brosnahan

Flying Colours July 16 Edi Gathegi

Polly Tumpkin's Pumpkin July 20 Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

Magic Squirrels July 23 Thandie Newton